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Canada Import Duty Rate for Solar Panels & PV Modules

HS 8541.40 · Photovoltaic cells and modules

Canada MFN Import Duty Rate

on FOB value

0% MFN on PV modules under Canada's clean-energy tariff schedule.

How duty is calculated

FOB value

Product transaction value at port of export

Import duty (0%)

Applied to FOB value. US uses FOB (transaction value).

GST/HST (5%)

Applied to FOB value + duty. Collected at customs.

Use our Landed Cost Calculator to compute the full cost including freight, brokerage, and last-mile delivery.

Worked example: solar panels & pv modules worth US$10,000

A commercial shipment invoiced at US$10,000 with US$900 of international freight and insurance. Canada charges duty on the FOB value (the price of the goods), so freight does not attract duty and the duty base is US$10,000. Customs converts the amount to CAD at the official exchange rate on the day of import.

Charge	At 0%
Import duty	$0
GST/HST (5%)	$500
Total paid at the border	$500

GST/HST is usually recoverable for a registered business, so the cost that stays with you is the duty. Excise, anti-dumping duties and broker fees are not included.

Classifying solar panels & pv modules correctly

Subheading 8541.43 (8541.40 before HS 2022) covers photovoltaic cells assembled into modules or made up into panels.

Panels with built-in inverters or other devices beyond simple diodes may move to 8501
Inverters are 8504.40 and mounting structures go to their material chapter
PV modules from China and South-East Asia face anti-dumping and countervailing duties in the US and other markets

Compliance. US imports must pass Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act supply-chain checks; the EU forced-labour regulation applies from December 2027.

Importing into Canada: what you need

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) collects duty and taxes through CARM; rates are in the Customs Tariff.

Registration. A CRA business number with an import-export (RM) account and registration in the CARM Client Portal; a financial security or a broker's bond for release before payment.

Low-value shipments. Courier shipments worth CAD 20 or less pay no duty or tax. For goods that qualify under CUSMA from the US or Mexico, the courier thresholds are CAD 150 for duty and CAD 40 for taxes.

Documents customs will ask for

Commercial invoice or Canada Customs Invoice
Bill of lading or air waybill
CUSMA certification of origin to claim preference
Permits for controlled goods (food, plants, firearms, some steel)

Charges on top of duty

GST 5% on value for duty + duty; HST of 13–15% in participating provinces
Provincial sales tax collected separately in BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Quebec
Surtaxes on specific goods (some steel and aluminium products)

Watch out. Canada values goods FOB, but GST is charged on the duty-paid value, so freight never attracts duty but the duty itself attracts GST.

Frequently asked questions

What is the import duty rate for Solar Panels & PV Modules in Canada?

The MFN (Most Favoured Nation) import duty rate for Solar Panels & PV Modules (HS 8541.40) in Canada is 0% on the FOB value. 0% MFN on PV modules under Canada's clean-energy tariff schedule.

Is GST/HST charged on Solar Panels & PV Modules imports to Canada?

Yes. Canada charges GST/HST at 5% on the FOB value plus any import duty. This applies to virtually all commercial imports.

Are there FTA rates available for Solar Panels & PV Modules in Canada?

Canada has free trade agreements with CUSMA/USMCA (US, Mexico), CETA (EU), CPTPP, Canada–Korea FTA, Canada–Chile FTA. Check whether your origin country qualifies for a preferential rate on HS 8541.40.

How is import duty calculated for Solar Panels & PV Modules entering Canada?

Duty is calculated on the FOB value of the goods. FOB value is the transaction value at the port of export. The MFN duty of 0% is applied to this value. GST/HST (5%) is then applied on the duty-paid value.